Chamber honors outstanding citizens

CHARLESTON — Putnam County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on Friday, Feb. 1, was not only a chance for Chamber members to come together and reflect on the year’s business highlights in Putnam County, but it was also a chance to shine a spotlight on two individuals who have made a difference in the community.

The Chamber awarded the 2012 Mayo Lester Community Service Award to Debbie Phillips of The Arnold Agency for her outstanding involvement in the community.

According to a statement from the Chamber, “Debbie’s impact in the community can be felt from one end of Putnam County to the other, and it has been building for the past 30 years. Thanks to Debbie’s dedication to the county, we have more jobs in our county, better transportation and no more portable classrooms! Debbie has worked tirelessly over the years with teams of committed citizens, local and state officials — believing in the best for Putnam County and not letting anything get in the way.”

Phillips has served on the Putnam County Board of Education, the Putnam County Development Authority, the Putnam Rotary, the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, Putnam County Transportation Committee, Tri-County YMCA and many more. As a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, she served as Chairman of the Insurance Committee and was selected as “Economic Developer of the Year” by the West Virginia Economic Development Council.

Phillips is credited with helping to bring Toyota, Diamond Electric, and the AEP Customer Call Center to Putnam County.

The Chamber also issued a new award for the first time this year — the Generation Putnam Young Leader Award. The inaugural award went to Mandy Curry of MVB Bank and Healthy Kids, Inc.

Generation Putnam Director Ashley Alford presented the award, which is “to recognize top young leaders who exemplify the qualities of leadership and dedication to making Putnam County a better place to work and live.”

“Mandy certainly matches that description,” Alford said. “She has been a business and community leader in Putnam County for many years, having served as the Past Chair of the Chamber Board, a founding member of Generation Putnam, and a volunteer for a variety of charitable causes.”

Curry is a graduate of Leadership West Virginia and Leadership Putnam. In 2011, she was named one of the “Generation Next: 40 Under 40” by the State Journal. Curry has served as a business leader in the banking industry and has founded her own business, Healthy Kids, Inc. She is presently planning a leadership seminar to help develop other young leaders in the community.

“Simply put, Mandy works tirelessly to improve the community in which she lives and Generation Putnam is excited to recognize her efforts,” Alford said.